They were all willing to forgo their wages just to leave, weren’t they? Would it be cruel of her to hold them back? Mudan smiled faintly, “You all say this, but am I someone who would cheat you of your wages? Have I ever mistreated any of you this past year?”
Everyone fell silent, no one daring to say yes. Working at Fang Garden had its advantages – prompt monthly payments, wages 10-20% higher than elsewhere, good food and lodging, no unnecessary complications, and the opportunity to learn new skills.
If not for this incident, they would have been reluctant to leave.
Mudan observed their expressions before continuing, “Rest assured, you’ll receive every coin of your wages. Those who have truly put in hard work and sweat will even receive bonuses. However…” she emphasized, “if anyone has unknowingly done something to harm Fang Garden or me, they will face consequences! All this talk of bad feng shui and evil spirits is nonsense! The disaster Fang Garden faces now is man-made!”
Her clear statement caused a buzz of discussion in the courtyard. Mudan allowed them to debate among themselves.
After a long discussion, Zheng Huajiang spoke up, “Mistress, let’s be frank. We all acknowledge you’re a good employer, but whether this is a natural disaster, man-made, or bad feng shui, we don’t want to continue working here.”
“Ah…” Li Huajiang suddenly stood up, angrily gesturing at Zheng Huajiang, accusing him of ingratitude. Black, seeing this, bared its teeth at Zheng Huajiang, growling softly.
Mudan quickly signaled Yuhe to help Zheng Huajiang sit down, then addressed him expressionlessly, “Continue.”
Though embarrassed, Zheng Huajiang persisted, “We’re all here to make a living. You’ve offended the guild, and this business will surely make a big loss next year. If you stop dealing in peonies, that’s one thing, but if you continue, this won’t be the last scheme against you. Next time, someone might set fire to the garden.”
“Shut your mouth! You bird-brain, how dare you! Who do you think you’re talking to?” Shun Hou’er, enraged, stepped forward to confront Zheng Huajiang.
“The Mistress asked me to speak honestly,” Zheng Huajiang retreated several steps, afraid to face Shun Hou’er. He had seen Shun Hou’er practice with Guizi and knew this effeminate-looking individual was quick and vicious in a fight.
Mudan raised her hand slightly, “Let him speak.” She wasn’t afraid of such talk; just because Zheng Huajiang mentioned the possibility of arson didn’t mean it would happen.
Shun Hou’er stepped back, still furious, wishing he could tear Zheng Huajiang’s unguarded mouth. Was it because Mudan was a woman and usually good-tempered that they thought they could bully her?
Zheng Huajiang, still wary of Shun Hou’er, continued in a much softer voice, “We know you have strong backing and official connections, so you’re not afraid. But we’re different, like ants – others could crush us with a finger. You say this is man-made, but it’s not our doing. We wouldn’t dare do something so unconscionable. We can’t afford to offend the guild. Please, let us go our own way.” He then knelt, with others following suit.
“All of you, stand up. I won’t make things difficult for you,” Mudan sighed softly, then smiled. “It’s human nature to seek profit and avoid harm. Your thoughts aren’t surprising. I can’t force you to stay if you’re determined to leave. Even if I did, you wouldn’t work wholeheartedly. Paying people who aren’t committed to their work, only to receive resentment and curses behind my back – I’d be at a loss. I won’t do that.”
Those kneeling showed signs of relief as they stood up, saying things like, “We knew the Mistress was kind-hearted” and “We knew the Mistress would understand.”
Kindness is often associated with leniency. Mudan couldn’t help but smile bitterly. Zheng Huajiang dared to speak up because he knew she was reasonable and wouldn’t harm him. Having a reputation for kindness and a good temper is fine, but one shouldn’t appear weak. These people could leave, but not like this. Mudan looked around, “Is there anyone else who wants to leave? Speak up now, so the accountant can calculate your wages.”
The usually silent Xilang and others stirred slightly. Zheng Huajiang signaled to Xilang, but Xilang didn’t look at him, keeping his head down. After a while, another person stepped forward.
Mudan waited quietly for a moment, then asked, “Is that all who want to leave?”
Those staying and those leaving all had their reasons. Xilang looked up at her, “You took me in when I had nowhere to go. As long as you don’t drive me away, I won’t leave.” The others, though not sharing Xilang’s experience, also expressed their desire to stay.
Mudan signaled Yuhe to note down those leaving, then said pleasantly, “I’ve noted it all. You may go back now.”
Zheng Huajiang asked, “May I ask, can we settle our wages and leave tomorrow? There won’t be anyone preventing us from leaving, right?” He resented being closely watched by Yuhe’s people.
Mudan smiled, “I’m afraid not yet. You’ll have to wait a few more days.”
“Why?” Zheng Huajiang and others frowned, “You just promised.”
“No particular reason. I’ve made myself clear – those who are innocent can leave as they wish, not only without losing a coin but with a bonus. But those who have wronged me must face consequences,” Mudan’s gaze swept over everyone as she dropped her smile. “To be honest, everyone here is suspect, no one is free from suspicion. You can leave, but only after I’ve uncovered the truth. For now, I’m afraid you’ll have to stay put. Don’t try to leave, or you’ll force me to be harsh! Shun Hou’er!”
Shun Hou’er stepped forward and bowed, “Yes, Mistress?”
Mudan said, “From tonight, this matter is in your hands. If anyone tries to send things out or escape, deal with them as you see fit. If anything goes wrong, you’ll be held responsible.”
Shun Hou’er smiled, “Understood. I won’t let you down.”
Zheng Huajiang angrily exclaimed, “We’re not your slaves, we’re free people! Are you trying to bully us with your power?”
Mudan smiled slightly, “Don’t worry, Master Zheng. I know you’re free people. Rest assured, if you’re innocent, you won’t be wronged. To be honest, I dare to do this because I’m confident. If I’m in the right, I’m not afraid of you accusing me of bullying. If everyone cooperates, we can resolve this privately. I don’t want to go against anyone; I just want to find the culprit behind this. If you insist on making trouble and not cooperating, I’ll have to report this to the authorities, saying you’re all suspects. Then we can all go to court.” She then instructed Yuhe, “Tell Zhou Banian to improve the meals for the next few days.”
In this era, few commoners weren’t afraid of officials, especially small-time workers like Zheng Huajiang. Those with clear consciences, hearing that the food would be better and that they’d be released once the matter was cleared up, or else face court, all abandoned thoughts of causing trouble. Seeing everyone change their minds and no one supporting him, and with Shun Hou’er’s cold stare, Zheng Huajiang reluctantly said, “The innocent have nothing to fear. We’ll wait.” With that, everyone returned to their rooms to await news.
Shun Hou’er then took everyone, including Shunzi, aside for individual questioning, using various tactics – coaxing, intimidating, or bluffing – to uncover any suspicious details.
That night, as Yuhe helped Mudan prepare for bed, she mentioned Zheng Huajiang: “He caused quite a stir, but you handled him well. When he confronted me that day, he showed no consideration for our past relationship, acting worse than anyone.”
Mudan replied, “Our connection with him is just that brief interaction at Liu’s place. He came to work for me later mainly for the money, not out of any sense of obligation. It’s precisely because he knows our background that he dares to make more trouble than anyone else.”
Yuhe whispered, “He’s so afraid and eager to leave. He was the first to mention bad feng shui and evil spirits. Could it be him?”
Mudan shook her head, “It’s hard to say.” Those making the most trouble could be seen as either having a clear conscience and thus unafraid, or as being guilty and overcompensating. In the end, it all came down to evidence. Shun Hou’er had confirmed that there were indeed traces of someone entering and leaving over the wall.
The night passed uneventfully.
Early the next morning, Zhou Banian personally brought Mudan her breakfast. Seeing that Zhou Banian seemed to have something to say, Mudan invited her to sit and eat together.
Zhou Banian declined to eat, saying, “I heard you’re with child, so I came to congratulate you. I also have something to tell you.” Seeing Mudan unhesitatingly eat the egg custard, she smiled, “That’s wonderful, you’re not experiencing morning sickness.”
Mudan laughed, “Perhaps it’s too early, or maybe the child knows I’m busy and doesn’t want to trouble me? Come now, don’t stand on ceremony. If you’ve eaten, that’s fine, but if not, please sit and join me.”
“That’s your good fortune. This child is considerate and thoughtful.” Although Zhou Banian worked for Fang Garden, she was the wife of the village head, not a servant or commoner. Hearing Mudan’s persuasion, she smiled and sat down. “I inquired about what you asked yesterday. A relative of my husband’s has a child who worked in the city for several years. He returned about two months ago, and shortly after that, Mr. Jin came to discuss business. Their family used to be the poorest, rarely able to afford meat even once a year. But in the past month, they’ve been buying meat every few days.”